Duncan Fenech, of Mosta, owner of a building opposite St John’s Co-Cathedral, pleaded guilty to damaging a historic water reservoir when he was doing construction alterations to change the building into a shop.

The work had been done under the supervision of an architect.

Fenech admitted the charges but said that all repairs to the reservoir had almost been concluded, in line with court orders. Both the defence and prosecution agreed with this.

Defence counsel Joe Giglio said the two parties had agreed after the repairs were carried out and his client had followed orders issued by the first hall of the civil court. The maximum fine is six years in jail if the damage is substantial and the place has a historical value, but in this case the damage was worth only €2,500.

Dr Giglio said the law also lays down that when the damage is not excessive and can be undone, the fine should reflect the damage caused. Fenech admitted causing the damage on 9 August, 2005 in Merchants Street, Valletta.

Magistrate Giovanni Griscti will hand down sentence on 15 October.

Inspector Michael Mallia prosecuted.